The word, “understanding” is both a noun and an adjective.  As such, a person can have an understanding with another person, it can be an individual’s perception or judgement of a situation, or it can be the ability to think abstract thoughts.  And there are even more definitions of this word as a noun. As an adjective, the meaning is compassionate, sympathetic, sensitive, considerate and tender. I think of understanding as being an adjective more often than as a noun.

I guess the reason I think of the word this way, is because I believe that people should strive to be kind to one another.  It is important to be able to put yourself in another person’s shoes. Being understanding can give meaning to our interactions with our fellow human beings in a profound way, by thinking more deeply and being more concerned about another person’s situation.

Many conflicts happen because of the lack of understanding between the opposing parties.  That’s why mediation can be so effective. If people can become understanding, (the adjective), then it is possible to have an understanding (the noun).  Now that is truly the essence of this word.

I have been an observer of many conflicts between students in the school environment.  If only there is an instant of caring by one party to the other, one can see a glimmer of hope that they will resolve their differences.  Sadly, this does not happen very often. The problem with these situations is that rarely is one or both of the participants able to separate the ego from the issue at hand.  There is a world of hurt in many young people and acting out against others is their way of coping. There is certainly a need for understanding in all the stages of our lives.

I would like to see more education for the entire population, of all ages, to learn the actions that create positive conflict resolution.  Think of all the problems that could be solved, if only we were able to teach understanding. With understanding, peace is possible. And isn’t that what most people want in their lives, even if they cannot express it?  That is my wish for our world. Anything is possible if we want to understand each other. The question to be answered is, “Do we?”